Project 2025 Architect Paul Dans Announces Senate Bid to Challenge Lindsey Graham in 2026

Paul Dans, widely recognized as the lead architect behind Project 2025, announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for a high-profile Republican primary against incumbent Senator Lindsey Graham in South Carolina’s 2026 election cycle . Dans, an attorney and conservative policy strategist, enters a field already marked by ideological divisions and national attention .

Paul Dans is best known for his leadership role in Project 2025, a sweeping conservative policy blueprint aimed at reshaping federal governance and social policy . The project has sparked debate among advocates and critics alike, with many LGBTQ+ organizations expressing concerns about its proposals related to civil rights, healthcare access, and education . Dans’ candidacy has therefore drawn intense scrutiny from LGBTQ+ and allied groups in South Carolina and beyond.

In a campaign news release, Dans positioned himself as a challenger to what he described as “business as usual” in Washington, vowing to “retire warmonger Lindsey Graham” and bring a “new vision” to the Senate . He joins a growing field of Republican hopefuls seeking to capitalize on shifting sentiments within the party’s base.

Project 2025 has been widely criticized by LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations for its support of legislation and executive actions that could limit the rights and protections of LGBTQ+ people. The Human Rights Campaign, for example, has warned that the policy agenda outlined in Project 2025 poses “an existential threat to LGBTQ+ rights and access to healthcare” . Proposals within the project have included restrictions on gender-affirming care, efforts to roll back anti-discrimination protections, and increased support for so-called “religious freedom” measures that critics argue enable discrimination .

As Dans transitions from policy architect to candidate, LGBTQ+ leaders across South Carolina are mobilizing to raise awareness about the potential consequences of his platform. “This Senate race is not just about two politicians—it’s about the future of equality and inclusion in our state,” said Jasmine Carter, director of the South Carolina Equality Network, in a statement responding to Dans’ announcement .

Senator Lindsey Graham, who has represented South Carolina since 2003, faces mounting criticism from both the right and left. While Graham has historically secured broad support within the party, recent years have seen him challenged by more hardline voices dissatisfied with his stances on foreign policy and social issues .

Dans’ entry into the race is expected to push discussions on LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and civil liberties to the forefront of the primary debate. National media outlets have noted that South Carolina’s Republican electorate is increasingly split between traditional conservatives and those aligned with Project 2025’s more assertive policy agenda .

The South Carolina Equality Network and other LGBTQ+ groups are preparing voter education campaigns and policy briefings to ensure that community members are informed about the candidates’ records and positions. “As we head toward the 2026 primary, we encourage everyone in the LGBTQ+ community and our allies to stay engaged and make their voices heard at the ballot box,” Carter added .

With the primary still months away, both campaigns are expected to intensify outreach and messaging efforts. For LGBTQ+ South Carolinians, the race represents both a challenge and an opportunity to advocate for inclusive policies and hold candidates accountable for their platforms.

As the field takes shape, the eyes of the nation—and advocates for equality—will be closely following how Project 2025’s vision for America may translate into electoral politics in South Carolina and beyond.